The Legal Podcast Network

Jury Selection, Part 1: How Juries Are Chosen in Criminal Trials

Episode Summary:
Jury selection is the heart of any criminal trial, crucial for shaping the perspectives of the 12 individuals chosen from the community. Attorney Robert M. Helfend delves into the importance of picking jurors susceptible to the defense's strategy. Discover how strategic questioning can impact the outcome of a trial, offering valuable insights into the intricate process of selecting a fair and impartial jury.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to the significance of jury selection
02:15 – The process of selecting potential jurors and key questions asked
04:45 – Crafting questions to weed out biased jurors and ensure fairness
07:30 – Addressing misconceptions about jury selection and stacking the deck
10:10 – Balancing gut instinct with practical considerations in juror selection
13:45 – Handling challenges with media-covered cases during jury selection
16:20 – Closing remarks and invitation to visit Robert M. Health and Law Group
About the Show:
*Criminal Law Unfiltered* provides in-depth insights into the intricate world of criminal trials, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the legal strategies and tactics employed by defense attorneys. Join Robert M. Helfend as he shares his expertise gained from over 40 years of defending clients in serious state and federal cases.

Contracts That Actually Protect You

Episode Summary:
In this episode of *The Business Law, Estate Planning, and Estates Podcast* Attorney Thomas LaPorte shares valuable insights on the importance of understanding contract terms for small businesses. He emphasizes the critical details that small business owners often overlook and discusses why these details matter more than people think. From payment guarantees to dispute resolution clauses, Thomas provides expert guidance on analyzing and negotiating contracts to protect business interests effectively.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Primary aspects to analyze in client contracts
03:45 – Importance of payment terms in contracts
06:10 – Understanding indemnification clauses
08:25 – Choosing applicable state laws in contracts
11:15 – Challenges of automatic renewals and long notice periods
13:40 – Real-life example of a problematic contract clause
16:55 – Ensuring clarity in contractor relationships
19:30 – Steps to update contracts as businesses evolve
About the Show:
*The Business Law, Estate Planning, and Estates Podcast* is a valuable resource for individuals, families, and business owners seeking expert guidance on legal matters. Attorney Thomas LaPorte, with more than 30 years in these fields, leads the discussions on navigating contracts, estate planning, and business law with clarity and precision.

Clearing Your Record: How Expungement Works in Illinois

Episode Summary:In this episode of Not Guilty Lawyers, Guns and Money, criminal defense attorney Edward Johnson breaks down the process of expungement in Illinois. Edward explains the difference between expungement and record sealing, who is eligible, and the impact on employment, travel, and firearms rights. He highlights common pitfalls when attempting to navigate the system alone and shares how professional guidance can streamline the process and protect your rights. Essential information for anyone looking to remove past arrests or convictions from their record.
Key Timestamps Summary:
00:00 – Understanding expungement and clearing your record in Illinois.01:30 – Non-convictions, court supervision cases, and specific programs for drug offenses.04:30 – Key differences and what each option does for your record.06:30 – Overview of programs like SEED and statutes like 417 for eligibility.09:30 – How expunged and sealed records appear (or don’t appear) to employers, landlords, and agencies.12:00 – Why hiring an attorney increases success and helps manage documentation, hearings, and references.15:00 – Factors that can slow the process or lead to objections by the state.17:00 – How long expungement takes and what to expect from filing to approval.
About the Show:Not Guilty Lawyers, Guns and Money features Edward Johnson, a top criminal defense attorney in Illinois. Edward helps clients navigate complex criminal cases, expungements, and record sealing, providing practical guidance to protect reputations, rights, and futures.

Male Victims of Domestic Violence: What Immigration Protections Exist

Episode Summary: 
In this episode of *Immigration Answers with Seth*, Immigration Attorney Seth Stringer sheds light on how immigration law offers avenues of safety and stability for male victims of domestic violence. Despite misconceptions, men can be victims too, and VAWA provides a framework for immigration relief based on abuse criteria, irrespective of gender. Seth discusses the evidence required for a VAWA case, emphasizing the importance of documenting abuse experiences. He also explains how VAWA enables victims to seek immigration status independently, without relying on their abuser.
Key Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 00:45 – Signs that classify male victims' situations as abuse
- 01:30 – Criteria for proving abuse under VAWA
- 02:15 – Types of evidence supporting a VAWA case for male victims
- 03:00 – Filing for immigration status under VAWA independently
- 04:10 – Impact of misconceptions on male survivors and USCIS evaluation
- 05:20 – Success story of a male victim's VAWA case
- 06:30 – Recommendations for male victims seeking clarity on their options
About the Show: 
*Immigration Answers with Seth* delves into various immigration issues, offering expert guidance on VAWA petitions, UVs, family-based immigration, asylum, and naturalization. Join Seth Stringer as he navigates the intricate world of immigration law to help individuals find safety and stability in the United States.

Enfrentar la Deportación: Qué Hacer y Quién Puede Ayudar

Episode Summary:En este episodio, se explica cómo funciona la corte de inmigración y por qué recibir una carta con una fecha de corte no significa una orden de deportación. Se abordan defensas comunes como la visa U para víctimas de delitos, el asilo político y la cancelación de deportación, así como los errores más frecuentes que ponen en riesgo un caso. Además, se destaca la importancia de asistir a corte, presentar un plan de defensa desde la primera audiencia y preparar evidencia sólida para proteger a las familias inmigrantes.
Chapters00:05 - Introducción y Trayectoria en Inmigración01:55 - Qué Significa una Carta de Corte de Inmigración04:00 - Importancia de la Primera Fecha de Corte04:36 - Asilo Político como Defensa Principal06:44 - Riesgos de No Asistir a Corte09:11 - Otras Defensas en Corte de Inmigración09:26 - Evidencia Clave para Asilo y Cancelación11:48 - El Peso de los Records Médicos12:33 - Errores Comunes que Dañan un Caso14:38 - El Valor del Tiempo en Corte17:17 - Mensaje Final para las Familias
About the Show:Inmigración Simplificada: Consejos Claros para Tu Futuro es un podcast enfocado en explicar de manera clara y accesible cómo funciona el sistema migratorio en Estados Unidos. A través de experiencias reales y orientación práctica, el programa busca ayudar a personas y familias hispanohablantes a entender sus opciones legales, evitar errores graves y tomar decisiones informadas frente a la corte de inmigración.
Success Story Highlight:Durante el episodio, se resalta cómo muchas personas que enfrentaban procesos de deportación lograron mantenerse legalmente en el país gracias a defensas como la visa U, el asilo o la cancelación de deportación. Al asistir a corte, presentar evidencia adecuada y luchar sus casos con estrategia, varias familias pudieron obtener permisos de trabajo, evitar órdenes de deportación y ganar tiempo valioso mientras se abren nuevas oportunidades legales.

Commercial Real Estate Loans, Refinancing & Development Deals: What Georgia Investors Should Know

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the *Atlanta Business and Commercial Real Estate Law Podcast* Mark Battleson shares essential insights on commercial real estate loans, refinancing decisions, and considerations for investors venturing into development projects. Mark emphasizes the importance of understanding land acquisition, zoning, permitting, and project economics before seeking financing. He highlights the distinctions between residential and commercial loans, stressing the critical role of cash flow in securing refinancing. Mark also delves into lender workout scenarios and offers practical advice on navigating loan restructuring processes.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Basic concepts for commercial real estate loans
04:15 – Differentiation between residential and commercial loans
07:00 – Considerations for refinancing commercial properties
09:45 – Handling lender workout discussions
12:30 – Example of a financing workout scenario
15:45 – Comparing small and large real estate development projects
18:20 – Risks associated with hard money loans
21:10 – Advice for making informed loan decisions
24:00 – Final tips for property financing success
About the Show:
The *Atlanta Business and Commercial Real Estate Law Podcast* provides expert guidance on navigating legal complexities in the business and real estate sectors. Covering a wide range of topics, the podcast aims to empower listeners with valuable insights and practical advice to make informed decisions in their ventures.

Why Your Story Matters in a Personal Injury Case

Episode Summary:
Attorney Chong H. Ye, a personal injury trial lawyer, emphasizes the significance of personal stories in injury cases. He highlights how individual narratives bring truth and human impact to legal proceedings, ensuring fairness and dignity for those affected.
Key Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 00:45 – The importance of personal stories in legal cases
- 01:30 – Impact of sharing one's story early on
- 02:15 – Everyday details that provide a full picture of the situation
- 03:00 – Consequences of stories not being understood
- 03:45 – Advocating for oneself in legal matters
- 04:30 – Power of having one's story heard and taken seriously
- 05:15 – Putting clients at ease with the trial process
- 06:00 – Significance of personal stories for a jury
- 06:45 – Reassurance for those worried about story minimization
- 07:30 – Ending remarks on owning one's story and seeking appropriate legal representation
About the Show:
*Your Story, Your Justice* is a podcast hosted by Attorney Chong H. Ye, focusing on advocating for individuals involved in personal injury cases. The show delves into the importance of sharing personal narratives to achieve fairness and justice in legal processes.

Trust Fund Recovery Penalty Appeals: Fighting Personal Liability

Episode Summary
In this episode of Resilience and Resolve, Lance Drury, breaks down what every small business owner needs to know about the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP) — and how to protect personal assets when payroll taxes go unpaid.
Lance explains who can be held personally liable, how the IRS identifies responsible parties, and why business owners should never handle these cases alone. He also shares key mistakes to avoid, insights on appealing a TFRP, and practical steps for anyone facing personal liability for payroll tax debt.
Key Timestamps
00:00 – What the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty is and when it applies02:00 – Why business owners can be personally liable for payroll taxes04:00 – How the IRS determines who the “responsible party” is06:00 – What happens after a TFRP is proposed08:00 – Common mistakes when trying to fight or ignore a TFRP10:00 – The importance of hiring the right tax professional12:00 – How the appeal process works and when it makes sense14:00 – Why small business owners must stay compliant and informed
About the Show
Resilience and Resolve features Lance Drury, a seasoned tax attorney helping individuals and small business owners fight back against the IRS. Each episode delivers clear, practical advice on resolving tax disputes, protecting assets, and staying compliant with federal tax laws.

Children First: Creating Parenting Plans That Work

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Anne Hamer shares valuable insights on creating parenting plans that prioritize children during divorce. She emphasizes the importance of therapy for both parents and kids, the pitfalls of overly detailed parenting plans, and the significance of flexibility and communication in co-parenting relationships.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
02:15 – Importance of Therapy for Parents and Kids
04:45 – Pitfalls of Overly Detailed Parenting Plans
07:30 – Significance of Flexibility in Co-Parenting
10:15 – Addressing Communication Challenges
12:45 – Courts' View on Parenting Plans in Tennessee
15:30 – Navigating Dynamics with Older Children
18:00 – Strategies for Dealing with Uncooperative Parents
21:30 – Reassurances for Overwhelmed Parents
24:15 – Conclusion and Call to Action
About the Show:
*Guiding Families Forward Through Divorce* is a podcast dedicated to providing guidance and support to families navigating the challenges of divorce. Led by Anne Hamer, the show offers valuable insights and strategies to help families prioritize their children's well-being during the divorce process.

When the System Misses: Why Assessments Don’t Always Match Reality

Episode Summary
In this episode, Attorney Nora Devine sits down with Bob Becker, a seasoned Illinois commercial appraiser, to break down the cost approach to property valuation—a key yet often misunderstood method used in property tax appeals. Bob explains how this approach differs from the sales comparison and income methods, when it’s most useful (especially for special-use properties), and the biggest challenges appraisers face when applying it. Together, they explore real-world examples—from farmland to libraries—and discuss how external factors like construction costs and local market data can influence property tax values.
This conversation sheds light on how assessors, taxpayers, and attorneys can use the cost approach more effectively to ensure fair assessments and better outcomes in Illinois tax cases.
Key Timestamps
00:30 – From farmland appraisals to complex commercial valuations across Illinois.02:00 – How it differs from sales and income methods.03:30 – Why special-use properties rely on the cost approach.05:00 –  Issues with land value and depreciation accuracy.06:30 – Physical, functional, and external obsolescence.08:10 – How airport noise caused external obsolescence near O’Hare.09:30 – Methods used to estimate land value when data is limited.11:00 – Why the cost approach isn’t always the highest value.13:00 – Limited sales data south of I-80 and heavy reliance on cost models.15:00 – How cost manuals and valuation data keep up with market changes.17:00 – Key focus areas when defending or challenging a cost approach in hearings.
About the Show
Divine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax helps Illinois property owners understand how property assessments work—and how to ensure they’re fair. Hosted by Attorney Nora Devine, a seasoned property tax attorney with statewide experience since 2005, each episode features industry professionals who share insights on valuation methods, assessment trends, and legal strategies that can save taxpayers money.